June 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan launched the European game - the competition consisted of 20 sports. However, the first day of the historic tournament was marred by tragedy.

The bus carrying participants of the Games, knocked down three Austrian synchronized swimmers - Vanessa Sahinovich, Payer and Verena Moon Bright. The incident occurred in the village for athletes, when the girls walked through the pedestrian zone.

As a result of the accident, 15-year-old Vanessa suffered multiple fractures with injuries. After a prolonged operation in Vienna Woman entered into a state of artificial coma. Two other athletes were promptly delivered to the Austrian clinic.

Azerbaijani authorities launched an investigation into the incident. President of the NOC of Austria, Karl Stoss was puzzled by what had happened, but thanked the organizers of the European games for assistance in transporting the girls home.